DOJ investigates Corey Lewandowski's role in Homeland Security contracting

The scrutiny centers on Corey Lewandowski's work at the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem. Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally, served as the ousted secretary's top aide, according to ABCNews.com.

The department's inspector general referred its investigation to the Justice Department for review, NBC News reported. The Independent described the referral as concerning potential contracting fraud and financial conflicts during Noem's tenure.

Reports published on October 22 disclosed the watchdog referral and the Justice Department's involvement. The New York Post reported that the department was reviewing a criminal referral from the Homeland Security inspector general.

CNN reported that Justice Department prosecutors were investigating allegations of contract misconduct involving Lewandowski's role at the department under Noem.

Sources told CBS Top Stories that the inquiry concerned allegations Lewandowski used his Homeland Security role for financial gain. The outlet also reported that Lewandowski denied all wrongdoing.

Trump responded publicly on October 22. According to The Hill, President Trump said he had "no idea" why the Justice Department was investigating Lewandowski, but said anyone working for him had to be honest. The New York Post reported that Trump said, "If they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted."

The reporting describes a watchdog referral and a Justice Department investigation into allegations, not a finding that Lewandowski committed misconduct. CNN described prosecutors as investigating, while NBC News described the referral as being sent for review.

Lewandowski's denial remains his reported response, according to CBS Top Stories. The supplied coverage does not identify particular contracts, dollar amounts or a timetable for the inquiry.

The central unresolved questions are which contracting decisions investigators are examining and whether the review will lead to criminal charges. The coverage provided does not establish either, and Trump's public comments do not explain the basis for the investigation.